facebook tracking Fort Bayard Medical Center, Santa Clara NM: CMS Ratings
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Fort Bayard Medical Center

All states › New Mexico › Santa Clara › Fort Bayard Medical Center

41 Fort Bayard Road Santa Clara, NM 88026 · Grant County

(575) 537-3302

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 200 certified beds Government

CMS certification number 325120 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Fort Bayard Medical Center a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Fort Bayard Medical Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the New Mexico average of 2.9. Inspectors issued 63 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 2 penalties, including $83,501 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 1 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

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Compare with the 3 closest homes

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 5.77 hours per resident per day at Fort Bayard Medical Center, above the New Mexico median of 3.44 (US median: 3.72). About 1.05 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 4.54 hours, 21% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 37.6% of nursing staff left within a year (New Mexico median 54.5%). That is lower than most homes in New Mexico, a sign of a steadier team.

Nursing care per resident per day 5.77 hours
Above the New Mexico median of 3.44 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 1.05 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 4.54 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 37.6% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 10.7% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds200
Residents per day 135 About 67% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipGovernment - State
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJune 2009
Legal business nameSTATE OF NEW MEXICO

Paying for care at Fort Bayard Medical Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Fort Bayard Medical Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet New Mexico's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on November 17, 2025 and found 21 deficiencies, plus 6 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 63 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 63 citations at Fort Bayard Medical Center across 8 inspection dates, 17 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on June 11, 2024 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (16) and quality of life and care (12). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals" (tag F0684, level K, June 11, 2024). 9 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 13, 2026 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

DProtect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0603 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

April 8, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 23, 2026)

November 17, 2025 · 21 citations

FElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0851 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EProtect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0603 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0685 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

EImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0561 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

DEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 26, 2026)

July 10, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection

ETimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 24, 2025)

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 24, 2025)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 24, 2025)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 24, 2025)

January 24, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 1, 2025)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 1, 2025)

August 9, 2024 · 12 citations

FPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

EHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

EEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

ETry different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0700 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

EEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

EImplement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

June 11, 2024 · 5 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

KProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 26, 2024)

HEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 26, 2024)

EEnsure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0661 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 26, 2024)

EEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0711 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 26, 2024)

DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0660 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 26, 2024)

June 1, 2023 · 13 citations

FEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

FDesignate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0882 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

EProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

ENotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

ECreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

EGive their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0943 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0805 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Fort Bayard Medical Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on June 11, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on August 13, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Weekend staffing is 21% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

2 penalties in the last three years, including $83,501 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Jun 11, 2024 Fine $83,501
Jun 11, 2024 Payment Denial 13 days of payments denied

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 3/5 2/5 5/5 3/5
August 2026 4/5 3/5 5/5 3/5
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Location

Hospitals near Fort Bayard Medical Center

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

  • 6.6 mi
    Gila Regional Medical Center Silver City
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 11m for patients treated and sent home

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Silver City Care Center Silver City · 6.6 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 100 beds · Medicaid
Luna Wellness Rehabilitation Deming · 41.9 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 66 beds · Medicaid
New Mexico State Veterans Home Truth or Consequences · 56.9 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 131 beds · Medicaid
Paloma Springs Healthcare T Or C · 58.3 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 94 beds · Medicaid
Casa De Oro Center Las Cruces · 79.0 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 4/5 158 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Fort Bayard Medical Center ›   All nursing homes in Santa Clara ›

Compare Fort Bayard Medical Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/new-mexico/santa-clara/fort-bayard-medical-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.